Solar Panel Cost in Minnesota (2026)
Installed solar in Minnesota runs about $2.80 per watt — roughly 9% above the national average of $2.58/W. With the federal residential tax credit (25D) gone as of 2026, payback here rests on a $0.14/kWh power price and 4.5 daily peak sun hours.
Worked example: a typical $150/month home in Minnesota
A $150/month electric bill in Minnesota works out to about 12,857 kWh a year. Sizing a cash-purchase system to cover 100% of that:
System size
10.0 kW
Panels
25
Annual offset
102%
Gross cost
$30,500
Federal credit (25D)
$0
Expired 12/31/2025 — $0
State incentive
$0
Net cost
$30,500
Payback
13.7 yr
25-year savings
$36,417
Last updated June 30, 2026
Minnesota solar numbers
- Installed price
- $2.80 / watt
- Electricity price
- $0.14 / kWh
- Peak sun hours
- 4.5 hrs/day
- State incentive
- 0%
- Net-metering value
- 100% of retail
Local context: Solar*Rewards and net metering help Minnesota despite cold, cloudy winters.
Estimate your own Minnesota system
Adjust the bill, ownership, and battery options below — it's pre-set to Minnesota's pricing and sun hours.
Estimated system cost
$36,279–$47,121
14.0 kW35 panels
Low $36kMost likely ~$41,700High $47k
Federal tax credit
— expired Dec 2025, we won't pretend otherwise
$0
State & utility incentives
$0
Est. annual savings
$2,575
Payback period
~13.4 yr
Net cost
$36k–$47k
25-year net savings
+$51,983
iA ballpark estimate for planning — not a final quote.
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